News & Updates

The latest news, blogs and features from Born Free.

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Photograph of two lions resting on the ground in a natural, grassy environment. Foreground lion is alert and looking forward while background lion is partially obscured and lying down.

Two rescued lions turn 20 today

We’re celebrating the 20th birthday of two incredible lioness sisters at our South African sanctuary, Maggie and Sonja.
Photograph of Will Travers OBE, Dame Virginia McKenna, Sir David Attenborough, and Ian Redmond OBE, dressed in formal attire standing in front of a backdrop with multiple sponsor logos, including Artemis, Enterprise Plants, and Western Union.

Happy 100th Sir David Attenborough

Born Free is honoured to wish the beloved broadcaster and natural historian the happiest of birthdays, and attended a special event to celebrate Sir David in Leicester.
An elephant stood on dusty ground, with buildings in the background

Portugal’s last circus elephant to begin new chapter at Pangea

Julie the elephant will join Kariba at the Born Free-backed elephant sanctuary – the first of its kind in Europe.
A male lion lies lazily alongside a large pool of water

Brian Blessed OBE speaks up for Africa’s lions

The iconic actor and long-term Born Free friend shares his support for our work to protect lions in Kenya, and why they need help now more than ever.
Photograph of a cheetah sitting in dry grass, blending into the natural savanna environment. The cheetah's spotted coat and alert posture highlight its adaptation for camouflage and hunting in open habitats.

Tribute to Timkat

We are deeply saddened to report the death of Timkat, a beloved member of our adopted Cheetah Family, at our rescue centre in Ethiopia.
Two separate photos of two leopards, in a montage side by side, both looking towards the camera with green vegetation in the background

Two years today: update on two rescued leopards

In May 2024, we were over the moon to welcome leopards Alda and Ginny to our sanctuary in South Africa. Confiscated from dire conditions in Poland, did mum and daughter settle in?
A barbary macaque sitting on the pavement with a chain around its neck

Calling for action this International Macaque Week

It’s time to celebrate these remarkable and diverse monkeys. But it’s also time for action – macaques are heavily exploited and they need your help.
Photograph showing close-up of two rhinoceroses in grassy habitat, with one rhino's head and horn touching the side of the other rhino's body. The image highlights texture of rhino skin, prominent horns, and natural environment.

South Africa progresses rhino horn trade plans

New plans published this month could mean disastrous impact for wild rhinos.
Photograph of a giraffe inside an enclosure viewed through horizontal bars, with a child’s silhouette in the foreground. The setting features a large arched window providing natural light and hay covering the floor, emphasizing a zoo environment.

200 years of zoos: a time for reflection, not celebration

The untimely death of a young elephant at London Zoo led to the start of our charity. As the zoo marks their bicentenary, we consider 200 years of keeping wild animals captive in the UK’s capital.
Photograph showing two hyenas standing in tall grass during golden hour lighting. The scene highlights their spotted fur patterns and attentive expressions in a natural savanna habitat.

From conflict to coexistence – changing perceptions to protect hyenas in Kenya

Hyenas are often the forgotten carnivore of conservation work, but Born Free is stepping up to help improve attitudes towards these fascinating animals.